Can I Increase My Testosterone Levels Without Medication?

Over 8% of men aged 50-79 in the United States experience low testosterone — a hormone imbalance that often arises with age. Testosterone is present in men and women but is more of a dominant hormone in men. 

It holds many responsibilities, including driving your growth and development, influencing your mood, determining your fat and muscle distribution, and making you fertile. Low levels of such a powerful hormone can present many challenges. 

Integrative physician Kelly DiStefano, MD, and our team at Montclair Concierge Medicine in Verona, New Jersey, provide men’s health care to members of the practice. That includes mitigating health risks like heart disease and balancing your hormones if you develop low testosterone. 

Recognizing low testosterone

Low testosterone can manifest in a variety of ways. Sometimes, it is due to a testicular disorder, but it can also develop as the result of a pituitary gland or hypothalamus issue. No matter why you have low testosterone, you might experience symptoms including the following:

• Low sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction
• Depression
• Hot flashes
• Loss of body hair
• Loss of muscle mass
• Increased body fat
• Gynecomastia (breast tissue growth)
• Memory and concentration problems

Of course, you won’t know if your symptoms are from low testosterone until you visit Montclair Concierge Medicine for an evaluation. Dr. DiStefano can measure your hormone levels and determine the cause of your testosterone deficiency through lab testing. 

Balance your hormones the natural way

Boosting your testosterone doesn’t have to involve medications. In fact, you can take steps in your daily life to balance your hormones and slow (or even reverse) testosterone decline. 

Dr. DiStefano asks about your lifestyle and habits to identify behaviors impacting your hormones. Before considering medications or hormone replacement therapy, you can try boosting your testosterone naturally by:

• Getting enough sleep 
• Exercising
• Managing your weight
• Eating a nutritious and balanced diet
• Minimizing your consumption of alcohol

Hormone replacement: What to expect

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) involves taking testosterone hormones to replenish your levels. These hormones are structurally identical to your body's hormones and interact with your hormone receptors in the same way. 

If you don’t experience symptom relief from behavior changes, Dr. DiStefano may recommend HRT. She monitors you closely as you use testosterone in the form of injections, pellets, patches, or other forms to balance your testosterone. 

If you’re curious to know if your fatigue, low sex drive, depression, or other symptoms are caused by low testosterone, call Montclair Concierge Medicine or schedule a visit online if you’re a member today.